SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Orders are coming down through the ranks after the Joint Chiefs of Staff letter was sent out Wednesday, reminding enlisted personnel they protect and defend the U.S. Constitution.
The blow-back came after it was confirmed military members were involved in the Capitol riots.
"As a member of the military, when you see other military members and veterans involved in something, which is essentially insurrection, trying to take over one branch of government, that definitely upsets you," Retired US Marine Corps Lt. Col. Hal Kempfer said.
While upset, Kempfer said he wasn't surprised they were there, knowing President Donald Trump has a large military following.
Kempfer was, however, shocked a directive needed to be ordered. He said he had never seen a blanket order like this.
"I thought it was extraordinary the Joint Chiefs had to put that in writing... It just tells you the temperature of the times if you will, that they wanted to make it clear to every service member worldwide that this is absolutely clear that we're going to have a peaceful transition." He said this means the line in the sand just became much deeper.
Kempfer said the letter allows commanders to do what is necessary to keep their subordinates in line.
That could mean removing political stickers, or locking down service members, whether in barracks or otherwise.
Kempfer said those in charge will be watching social media channels with a critical eye for bias from military members.
"So if anybody out there had some strange ideas they were trying to put that to rest," he said.
He said the main concern is allowing any service member to be involved in any political event that could turn violent.
